# CPU8 Plus vs Physarum

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CPU8 Plus at none against Physarum's 6. CPU8 Plus also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 26.0). Physarum's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (27 vs 5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Physarum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. CPU8 Plus asks for nothing beyond the download.

CPU8 Plus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Physarum has 27 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

CPU8 Plus ships an update every 3 months, Physarum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CPU8 Plus | Physarum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8-plus/id1518324298/reviews)** | [4.8 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **27** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 160 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1448776027) | [GEORGY OSTROBROD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875865758) |

## What reviewers say

### CPU8 Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8-plus/id1518324298)

This app simulates an 8-bit computer, teaching users about internal computer workings. It features an expanded memory space compared to its predecessor, allowing for more complex programs and a deeper understanding of computer architecture.

**Highlights:** Simulates 8-bit computer architecture, Expanded addressable memory (256 bytes), Simple 16-instruction set, Source code compatibility with CPU8, Hexadecimal progress displays, Detailed memory display

**In-app purchases:** none


### Physarum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947)

Explore the fascinating emergent behavior of slime molds through a visually rich simulation. Adjust agent parameters, influence growth with intuitive controls, and discover complex, mesmerizing patterns.

**Highlights:** Slime mold behavior simulation, Autonomous agent control, Adjustable agent parameters, Maze solving and network formation, Vibrant color modes, Interactive system manipulation

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small developer tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium developer tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Big developer tip | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CPU8 Plus free?

CPU8 Plus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Physarum free?

Physarum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CPU8 Plus or Physarum?

CPU8 Plus is rated higher. CPU8 Plus averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Physarum averages 4.8 from 27 ratings.

### Do CPU8 Plus or Physarum have ads?

Neither CPU8 Plus nor Physarum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CPU8 Plus or Physarum?

CPU8 Plus ships an update every 3 months, and Physarum every 5 weeks. Most recently, CPU8 Plus was updated on October 10, 2026 and Physarum on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*